Life Pacific University is proud to honor its 2026 Faculty of the Year recipients. They are an exceptional group of educators whose dedication, scholarship, and Christ-centered leadership continue to shape the lives of students across every program. These distinguished faculty members embody LPU’s mission to equip leaders for service in the Church, the workplace, and the world.

Dr. Ken Bringas

Full-Time Professor of the Year: Dr. Ken Bringas

Dr. Ken Bringas, Director of LPU Seminary and leader of the MATS, M.Div., and Doctor of Ministry programs, has been named Full-Time Faculty of the Year. Known for his thoughtful scholarship and pastoral heart, Dr. Bringas approaches education as a deeply formative process and one that extends far beyond the classroom.

Receiving the award with genuine surprise and deep gratitude, Dr. Bringas reflected on the shared journey that defines his work as an educator.

“This recognition is not mine alone. It reflects a shared journey with students, colleagues, and community. I’ve always believed education is more than the impartation of knowledge; it is the formation of people. It is a privilege to walk alongside students as they discover their voice, clarify their calling, and develop the wisdom and integrity to serve others well.”

His commitment to fostering meaningful dialogue and creating space for thoughtful reflection has made a lasting impact on students. Dr. Bringas credits his passion for education in part to his parents, especially his mother, whose legacy in public education and the church instilled in him a lifelong love of learning.

With humility, he receives this honor as a renewed calling to continue investing in students, believing that the true impact of education is seen in the lives and communities they go on to influence.

President Dr. Angie Richey affirms, “Dr. Ken Bringas is truly deserving of being named Faculty of the Year. His leadership, scholarship, and pastoral heart shape not only our seminary but the lives of the students and faculty he so faithfully serves.”

Dean of the School of Theology and Ministry, Dr. Jeff Tolle, adds, “Dr. Ken Bringas carries a deep passion for the students in LPU Seminary, leading with clarity and conviction.”

Left to Right: Ken West, MA. Heidi Chambers, MBA, Trey Abney, MA and Dr. Danielle Babb

Distinguished Adjunct Faculty of the Year

LPU also celebrates its Distinguished Adjunct Faculty of the Year, recognizing outstanding educators who bring expertise, innovation, and deep care to students across multiple programs:

● Traditional Undergraduate (TUG): Ken West

● Online Undergraduate (OUG): Heidi Chambers

● Graduate Studies: Danielle Babb

● LPU East: Trey Abney

Each of these faculty members plays a vital role in delivering transformative education and mentoring students in their unique callings.

Heidi Chambers shares, “It is both a joy and a privilege to be part of the LPU family, partnering with the Holy Spirit to equip students for ministry in the local church and the marketplace. I am deeply grateful to God, who establishes a unique purpose for each of us. As an educator, it is a true honor to witness His plans unfold in the lives of my students day by day.”

Danielle Babb reflects, “I am deeply humbled and honored to be named Adjunct Faculty of the Year for Graduate Studies. What makes Life Pacific University truly special is the students’ profound dedication to their calling and their communities. Guiding these exceptional graduate students as they prepare to lead and serve is a daily privilege.”

These adjunct faculty members serve as vital partners in LPU’s academic mission, bridging classroom learning with real-world application and ministry impact. Their teaching reflects a dynamic blend of professional excellence, relational investment, and Spirit-led instruction.

Provost and Vice President of Academics, Dr. Daniel Ruarte, expressed his appreciation, stating, “We are grateful for each of our distinguished adjunct professors and faculty of the year. Thank you for your continued dedication and commitment to the students.”

President Dr. Angie Richey further affirms, “Alongside Dr. Bringas, our distinguished adjunct faculty bring learning to life in meaningful and transformative ways, both inside and outside the classroom. Your investment in our students strengthens LPU and advances our mission in powerful ways.”

Dean of the School of Arts and Sciences, Dr. Carissa Hawksworth, adds, “We are thrilled to honor these outstanding professors for their contributions to the holistic development of our students. Each has gone above and beyond expectations to care

for and support students in their development into leaders prepared to serve God in the church, the workplace, and the world.”

A Legacy of Impact

The 2026 Faculty of the Year recipients represent the very best of Life Pacific University. Educators who teach with excellence, lead with integrity, and invest deeply in the lives of their students. Their collective impact is seen not only in the classroom, but in the churches, organizations, and communities their students go on to serve.

Life Pacific University celebrates these remarkable faculty members with gratitude, honoring their faithful commitment to shaping the next generation of leaders.